Ian Smith was born in Westminster, British Columbia, Canada to Gwen and Cecil Smith on October 19, 1950. He and his sister Diana enjoyed playing in the forest which surrounded their home in West Vancouver. Ian’s family moved to Downey in 1965 and Ian attended Griffiths Middle School and Warren High School where he was on the swim team and was Student Body President.

Ian received a Masters Degree in Student Personal and Guidance at Oklahoma State University. He took two voyages around the world on Semester at Sea where he was Director of Student Activities.

Ian was active in youth work at First Baptist Church of Downey where he taught High School and College Sunday school. Many regard Ian as a mentor and example of enthusiasm for life and love of God. His big smile and love for people will be missed.

Ian received a heart transplant in 2006 which gave him an extra twelve years of life. He died at home from complications of heart failure, surrounded by family, on March 11, 2019. Ian is survived by his sister Diana Edmonds, his wife of 45 years, Vickie, and children Zachary (Katheryn) Smith, Landon, and Brittany (Scotty) Denton, and six grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23, at 1:00 pm at The First Presbyterian Church of Downey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in support of Caring for Orphans Mozambique, of which Ian was a board member at caringfororphans.com.